Think of countries in Europe famous for skiing, and probably Switzerland, France and Italy will come to mind. Maybe Austria and the Spanish Alps too. Italy is a great place to go to for a skiing trip and I recently was looking at this site https://www.trips2italy.com/italy-vacation-packages-t2i and found out some great deals but there are plenty of other places to hit the slopes around the continent which offer skiing at various levels of difficulty along with many après-ski activities. Here are a few of the best alternative skiing destinations in Europe.
Finland
If the experience of skiing in true wilderness is something you’re looking for, head to Finnish Lapland, in particular the resorts at Iso-Syöte, Salla and Levi. With modern infrastructure and a long and reliable snow season, Finland is great for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. After a day out on the snow, you can unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna then watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky.
Romania
With an extensive mountain range in the south of the country, Romania has several excellent ski resorts. The one at Poiana Brasov is particularly well known for allowing its guests the chance to ski at night. Romanian ski resorts are generally very good value and usually best for beginner to intermediate learners as they lack some of the more technical infrastructure for more advanced skiing.
Poland
Poland’s most famous ski resort, Zakopane, is well known among Poles for its beautiful panoramic views from the top of its slopes. It is one of the oldest ski resorts in the world, but is surprisingly not very often visited by foreign ski enthusiasts. Other resorts in the area such as Harenda, Nosal and Szymoszkowa are also worth visiting and are very good options for family skiing holidays.
Slovakia
The High Tatras, a small mountain range in eastern Slovakia forming the border with Poland are home to several resorts such as Jasna, Strbske Pleso and Tatranska Lomnica. Most of them offer skiing on a much more human scale than in the larger resorts of countries like France and Italy, with shallower slopes ideal for relaxed intermediate skiers. The region is also still quite wild and indeed it may be possible to spot lynx, bears or wolves nearby if you’re lucky.
Russia
European Russia’s ski resorts are located in the Ural and Caucasus mountain ranges and Kola Peninsula and offer some of the most adventurous and pristine slopes in Europe. In particular, Kukisvumchorr in Arctic Russia is the perfect place to get a safe introduction to off-piste skiing. Similarly, the resort at Dombai in the Caucasus mountain range offers the chance to ski through forest, and even several heli-ski routes for the more diehard skier.
You needn’t be limited to the traditional ski destinations in Europe around the Alps to find the right skiing holiday for you. Consider instead some alternative ones further north and east and you maybe surprised with the range of additional activities, affordability and diversity you’ll find.